Researchers develop an artificial pancreas that maintains glucose levels of that a functional pancreas

Researchers
at Boston University recently developed an artificial pancreas which
maintains the glucose levels of type 1 diabetes patients, via a
control mechanism. Edward Damiano, of Boston University, and his team
conducted the clinical trial of their mechanism at Massachusetts
General Hospital on 11 adults, all of whom have type 1 diabetes. The
system is the first of its kind -- combining both insulin and the
blood sugar-raising hormone glucagon. The artificial pancreas injects
both insulin and glucagon using a mechanism that combines a blood
glucose monitor and insulin pump. When tested, the artificial
pancreas failed to cause hypoglycemia, also a first.

"It
showed that, by delivering both hormones in response to frequent
blood sugar tests, it is possible to control blood sugar levels
without hypoglycemia, even after high-carbohydrate meals,"
states Steven Russell (MD, PhD of Massachusetts General Hospital
Diabetes Unit), research partner of Damiano.

The immune system
of type 1 diabetes patients kills the beta cells of the pancreas
which are responsible for producing insulin. Insulin treatment is
necessary for patients to maintain a safe blood sugar level. Blood
sugar testing and insulin administration can delay complications such
as kidney failure or cardiovascular disease, but is a tedious daily
job. Insulin pumps are another option, but place patients at a risk
for hypoglycemia.

Hypoglycemia is characterized by a drop in
blood sugar, caused by too much insulin. So far, any administration
of insulin by pump or artificial pancreas has come with the risk of
hypoglycemia. Therefore, Damiano and fellow researches developed a
system that would potentially eliminate that risk. Glucagon, a
hormone employed to raise blood sugar, is also administered along
with insulin.

The
clinical study was designed to test the software that
controls the artificial pancreas. Glucose levels were monitored via a
sensor planted in the vein of the patient, relating information to a
monitor. All patients were monitored for 27 hours, throughout their
overnight stay in the hospital and their three standardized
high-carbohydrate meals. Six of the patients kept a reasonable
glucose levels, however five experienced hypoglycemia and were given
the mighty treatment of orange juice.

Researches
conducted another study with the same patients after they diagnosed
the problem with their artificial pancreas. Because not all patients
absorb insulin at the same rate, those who absorbed insulin slower
received extra doses, causing their hypoglycemia. After adjusting the
controlling software to a slower insulin absorption rate and
conducting another study, none of the participants needed a glass of
orange juice to combat hypoglycemia.

In 2007, diabetic pigs
were tested with this same mechanism – FDA later approved this
human trial. Later this spring, a 48 hour study will be conducted,
both with children and adults. The vision of the researchers: a
wearable pump the size of a cell phone, that will wirelessly
communicate with a sensor placed underneath the skin.

"A
system like this...wouldn't be a cure, but it has the potential to be
the ultimate evolution of insulin therapy for type
1 diabetes," comments Damiano.

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